Mibelle debuts polyphenol-rich extract to promote slimming and energy
28 Jul 2020 --- Switzerland-based Mibelle Biochemistry is targeting athletic and senior consumers alike with its newly launched SantEnergy Nu powdered extract. The polyphenol-rich ingredient is a powerful antioxidant prepared from the leaves of santa herba, a plant native to California in the US and Mexico. This launch taps into the bustling naturality and clean label trends, as sports nutrition products continue to overlap with slimming and energizing products.
The ingredient takes on three target consumer groups simultaneously. “SantEnergy Nu was especially developed to support a healthy metabolism and to energize the whole body. Due to the triple-mode of action, SantEnergy Nu also fits very well [into] the healthy aging segment. Beside consumers looking for slimming and weight management products, it [targets] athletes as SantEnergy Nu shows caffeine-like energizing and stimulating effects,” Dr. Torsten Grothe, Head of Food & Health at Mibelle, tells NutritionInsight. 
SantEnergy Nu’s synergistic triple-mode action is formulated to:
Prevent the formation of undesired end-products implicated in the aging process.
Have prominent antioxidant characteristics.
Offer caffeine-like energizing and stimulating effects.
Preventive care prevails
Tapping into the healthy aging sector, SantEnergy Nu prevents the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). “AGEs are proteins or lipids that become glycated as a result of continuous exposure to sugars. Formation of AGEs is a typical aging process, but also can be triggered by a carbohydrate-rich diet,” Dr. Grothe explains.
SantEnergy Nu supports the body toward healthy aging and acts as a metabolism booster.Therefore, the accumulation of AGEs in adipose and liver tissues can interfere with many protein functions, resulting in an unbalanced metabolism and the onset of metabolic diseases. AGEs are also considered as a risk factor for many further conditions, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, chronic inflammations and Alzheimer’s disease, he highlights.
Meanwhile, Mibelle has evidenced SantEnergy Nu’s health benefits in two main studies. Its energizing effects were first investigated in a nematode locomotion study. “These nematodes are very small roundworms and are frequently used as study objectives, as they show comparable aging processes to humans and have as well similar important pathways to humans,” Dr. Grothe outlines.
Once treated with caffeine or other stimulants, nematodes typically move their bodies faster and show longer endurance. SantEnergy Nu was able to stimulate the nematodes on a similar level as pure caffeine.
The launch was also motivated by consumer demand that is redefining the weight loss category. In a placebo-controlled, double blind, randomized clinical trial, supplementation with 400 mg of SantEnergy Nu over 12 significantly reduced body weight and body fat in 50 obese volunteers.
F&B applications
SantEnergy Nu is the latest addition to Mibelle’s existing portfolio of nutricosmetic ingredients. DracoBelle Nu and PhytoCellTec Md Nu boost skin beauty and vitality, respectively. AnaGrain Nu stimulates hair growth while SaraPEPP Nu presents a mental performance enhancer.
Beauty-from-within is having a moment with NPD booming in supplements targeting skin and graceful aging. Dr. Grothe recently spoke with NutritionInsight in a video interview about the company’s flagship ingredients, trending delivery formats and overcoming taste challenges.
The latest ingredient is based on gum arabic as a carrier and can be easily combined with vitamins and minerals. In terms of F&B applications, Mibelle sees its SantEnergy Nu as a metabolism booster and caffeine replacement for confectionery, dairy and bakery products. “We are currently running the first trials to identify the best recipes and most suitable application forms,” notes Dr. Grothe.
Ultimately, Mibelle sees its latest launch pegged for success as it covers the most predominant nutrition industry trends seen at the moment, including natural, vegan, non-GMO and caffeine-free. Dr. Grothe concludes: “SantEnergy Nu will be showcased at the next food exhibitions – if they will take place.”
By Anni Schleicher
